Police say a story by an international media outlet contained inaccurate information on the police response to the homicide of Nijjar
SURREY RCMP on Tuesday released a statement that they said was to correct misinformation surrounding the actions of their officers in their initial response and while on scene at the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey on June 18.
Nijjar was assassinated in the parking lot of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara where he served as president.
Surrey RCMP said that on Saturday September 23, they received a request from an international media outlet which contained a list of questions directed at multiple police agencies with a deadline the following day.
They added: “This did not provide an adequate opportunity to respond. Subsequently a story was published which contained inaccurate information on the police response to this homicide.”
Surrey RCMP said it recognizes the importance of ensuring that accurate information is being reported on the homicide of Nijjar.
The first 911 call in relation to this incident was received at 8:27 p.m. and the first officers arrived on scene in under four minutes, with more officers arriving on scene shortly after.
Surrey RCMP said: “It was suggested that there was a conflict regarding which police agency would “head the investigation”, however as the police of jurisdiction, Surrey RCMP is responsible for all police investigations in Surrey. There is nothing to indicate this investigation was delayed in any way, either in the initial response or in subsequent investigative steps.”
They added: “The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called out and assumed conduct of the investigation with the continued support of Surrey RCMP. IHIT takes lead on all homicide investigations in the Lower Mainland with the exception of Delta and Vancouver. We are confident all necessary investigational steps are being taken to hold those responsible for the homicide accountable.”
Surrey RCMP said: “This was a public act of violence which has caused members of our community to feel unsafe. In response to community concerns, Surrey RCMP has increased patrols around Gurdwaras and Temples. Surrey RCMP’s Diversity Unit has met with the Sikh and Hindu communities in Surrey and the unit continues to work closely with them to foster communication and engagement.”
Surrey RCMP noted: “IHIT cannot provide further details on any aspects of the ongoing investigation and will not be commenting further at this time.”
Anyone with further information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact the IHIT Information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
